BOPARC

Minutes of the December 13, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners Location: Marilla Recreation Center, Morgantown, WV Call to Order: President Trumble called the meeting to order at 3:05 PM. Establish Quorum: Members present were Meridith Balas, Cal Carlson, Susan Klingensmith, Amel Morris, Jenny Selin, and Danielle Trumble. Members absent were Jenny Thoma. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the regular meeting on November 8th, 2023 were approved by consensus. Correspondence: Director Wiles shared a thank you note from the Morgantown Public Library for donating pool passes for the summer reading program. Public Comment: None Presentations: City of Morgantown Engineer Drew Gatlin – White Park Trail Plan Updates City of Morgantown Engineer Drew Gatlin provided the board updates regarding the regional trail planning process, the White Park trail system, and the Flegal Dam and reservoir. Regarding the regional trail planning process, Mr. Gatlin explained that this project has been over four years in the making, with the contract being signed in March 2020. The plans have been finalized over the past couple months and should be ready for public input in January 2024, with feedback sessions taking place as webinars, small groups, and web maps. In the update about White Park, Mr. Gatlin spoke about the EPA grant funding regarding the brownfield remediation. They received $500,000 from the EPA regarding remediation on the south side of the park and have applied for an additional $2 million grant for future funding. There will be public comment sessions regarding the grant money. Danielle Trumble asked about the status of the bridge in White Park, and Mr. Gatlin said the city is working with MUB and the contractor to identify the scope of the project. Jenny Selin said she would like something to be done regarding the trash cans in the park and would like to see them move to a carry-in carry-out model. Regarding the Flegal Dam and reservoir, Mr. Gatlin said the work involving the lower parking area by the dam, stabilizing the shoulder of the roadway, and relocating Upper Cobun Creek Road has been completed. There will be trails that will be managed by BOPARC once they open. Danielle Trumble asked if there will be opportunities for water-based recreation before the trails are finished and when the gates would be open. Mr. Gatlin said yes, and that MUB’s usage and management of the reservoir is active, and the water levels are up and down. Susan Klingensmith asked regarding White Park if there will be a vegetation replacement plan to use native plants, and Mr. Gatlin said yes, the plantings and vegetative growth will be central to the clean up techniques and there will be targeted plantings for social and wildlife trails. Financial Report: Director Wiles reviewed the contents of the financial report. Jenny Selin moved to approve the Financial Report, and Susan Klingensmith seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0. Action Items: Ice Arena Bids – Chiller & Dehumidification Unit Director Wiles presented the lowest qualified bids for the Ice Arena chiller and dehumidification unit. Jenny Selin moved to approve the lowest qualified bids for the Ice Arena to Trane Manufacturer for the Chiller for $195,680 and CDI Products for the dehumidification unit for $198,150, and Danielle Trumble seconded. The motion passed 6-0. Executive Director’s Report: Director Wiles shared the content of the Executive Director’s report. General Board Comments: Jenny Selin appreciated the trail briefing and information regarding White Park, and she attended the women’s dance party at Wiles Hill and reported that it was a positive experience. Susan Klingensmith thanked Director Wiles and her team for all their work, complimented King Street Park and its’ amenities, and received some feedback regarding the disc golf course. Meridith Balas thanked Director Wiles for her work. Amel Morris and Cal Carlson both appreciated all the updates on BOPARC progress. Danielle Trumble proposed having a board field trip to the reservoir in the spring. She also had the opportunity to visit Wiles Hill several times during the month and noted the concrete slabs that were poured for the trash cans, as well as some concerns brought to her attention regarding the outside lighting of the building. Adjournment: Cal Carlson moved to adjourn, and Amel Morris seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Cal Carlson January 7, 2024 Entered Into Record: Melissa Wiles Melissa Wiles, Executive Director January 10, 2023